Wayne Rooney, pictured, also sought to leave Manchester United in 2010 but backed down after negotiating a new and improved contract with the club. Photo Credit: AP

LONDON - Chelsea's ambitious bid to sign striker Wayne Rooney from Manchester United was rejected by the Premier League champions.

The 27-year-old Rooney has pushed for a move since expressing frustration about his lack of playing time.

But both Alex Ferguson and David Moyes, who succeeded his fellow Scot as manager in May, insisted Rooney was not available because he has two years left on his contract.

Despite those public statements, Chelsea maintained its pursuit of the England striker, culminating in a formal bid submitted to its Premier League rival.

The London club confirmed the bid to deny reports that it had offered midfielder Juan Mata or defender David Luiz as part of a $15 million offer.

"The official bid was just about a certain about of money ... not one single player was involved in our bid," Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said Wednesday after a 1-0 victory over Thailand's all-star team during a preseason tour of Asia.

"We did what we have to do in a proper way, in an ethical way," said Mourinho, who is back in charge at Chelsea after six years. "We feel very happy with our behavior because it was clean ... we made the bid and now it is up to Man United and now it is up the player."